The nurse is educating a patient about niacin prescribed to treat his hyperlipidemia. Which important teaching point(s) should be included in the educational plan? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Effectiveness of niacin in lowering total cholesterol
b. Information on high cholesterol foods and food preparation using unsaturated fats
c. Importance of smoking cessation and daily exercise
d. Alternative funding resource information because of the high cost of niacin
e. Adverse effects to report (e.g., fatigue, anorexia, nausea, malaise, jaundice, muscle aches)

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, E
Therapeutic outcomes expected with niacin use include reduction in LDL and total cholesterol levels, reduction in triglyceride levels, and increase in HDL levels. Niacin is used in conjunction with dietary therapy to decrease elevated cholesterol concentrations in hyperlipidemia and to reduce the risks of atherosclerosis leading to coronary heart disease. Initial adverse effects to expect include nausea, gas, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, faintness, and hypotension. Jaundice, malaise, muscle aches, and anorexia should be reported to the health care provider. Although these are healthy lifestyle behaviors, they are not indicated in patient teaching about antilipemic medications. Niacin is not expensive in comparison with other antilipemic medications.